Extension ladder and lift.



No. 849,222. -PATENTED APR. 2, 1907.

R. FLEMING. v EXTENSION LADDER AND LIFT.

APPLIGATION FILED H 0V;28. 1906. I

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MI /vases, JV 4% PATENTED APR. 2, 1907.

R. FLEMING,

EXTENSION LADDER AND LIFT.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 2a, 1906.

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ROBERT FLEMING, OF TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA.

EXTENSION LADDER AND LIFT.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented April 2, 1907.

Application filed November 28, 1906. Serial N0.345.5'70.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ROBERT FLEMING, of the city of Toronto, in the county of York, in the Province of Ontario, Canada, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Extension Ladders and Lifts, of which the following is the specification.

My invention relates to improvements in extension ladders or lifts; and the object of the invention is to devise an extension ladder or lift particularly adaptable for use in case of fire, whereby the firemen, their hose, ladders, and other accessories may be elevated to the desired height necessary for fighting the fire in a minimum space of time and whereby such firemen may readily have access to the building with safety.

Further objects are to construct such a lift as may be utilized as a safe fire-escape; and still further objects are to make the lift portable, in which the sections will move simultaneously, and in which the lift may be turned on its base, so as to place the top in any convenient position.

To effect these objects I have constructed my extension ladder or lift of a series of rectangular frames telescopically arranged. The base of the lowermost frame is carried on a turn-table supported on a truck or wagon. The bottom frame is also provided with bracing-brackets pivotally connected thereto and designed when the lift is turned across the wagon to rigidly hold the lift in position. Vertical racks are arranged on the inside of each frame, being supported at the top in suitable guiding-brackets. Cross-shafts are provided supported in suitable bearings and provided with pinions meshing with the racks. Two shafts are preferably provided Within the lift, the bottom of the shafts extending through the base of the lift and provided with a bevel-gear suitably driven and the shafts being provided with a gear slidably arranged and meshing with the gear on the bottom of the companion shafts, said bottom shafts and each pair of shafts being supported in suitable bearings within the lift and having gear slidably arranged and meshing with gear on the cross-shafts carrying the pinions. The top of the lift is provided with extensionbridges, and the parts are otherwise arranged and constructed in detail, as hereinafter more particularly explained.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exten sion ladder or lift constructed in accordance section through the lift looking from the broad side. Fig. 3 is a vertical section through the lift at right angles to the section taken in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a detail of the racks and their guiding bracing-brackets. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the manner of bracing the lift. Fig. 6 is a detail showing the connection of the gears to the vertical shaft forming part of the elevating mechanism.

In the drawings like letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in each figure.

A is the platform of the wagon which carries my extension ladder or lift, and B the wheels.

O is a cylindrical housing secured to the platform of the wagon and designed to inclose the gearing, hereinafter referred to, and the depending bearings D of the turn-table D, which is substantially rectangular at the top, as indicated in Fig. 1. The turn-table D is preferably supported on a suitable circle of rollers D having bearings in the top of the housing.

E are the pedestals secured to the turntable and designed to carry the extension ladder or lift.

F is the lowermost section of the lift, which is secured at the bottom on the four pedestals Eone at each corner. The section F is preferably made rectangular in form and comprises the angle-iron corner-posts F, the top bars F the bottom bars F and the bracing-bars F The top corners are preferably reinforced by angle-brackets F G and H are the intermediate and uppermost sections of the lift, the section G fitting within the section F and the section H within the section G, being telescopically arranged. The sections G and H are formed precisely in the same manner as the sections F. The section H, however, is provided with a top platform H, suitably secured to the top of the section. I

I are bracing-brackets the inner sides of which are connected by hinges I I to the corner-posts F. The brackets have an inclined outer side provided with a projection I and each bracket has hinged at the bottom end the extension 1*, through the rightangular turned outer end of which extends the jack-screw I A pin J or other suitable fastening device extends through a hole in the turn-table D and a hole in the floor of the wagon or truck with my invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical crossl in order to hold the turn-table from turning.

When the pin is removed, the turn-table, and

consequently the lift, may be likewise turned. crosswise of the wagon, with the brackets extending out over the side.

The brackets I are preferably connected together by a divided strut K, pivotally connected by pins-K to the bases of the bracket at each side and together by the pin K When the lift is brought crosswise of the wagon, the extension I of the bracket I may be turned down into the position shown in Fig. 5, in which position the jack-screw would be turned so as to press hard against the ground or pavement, thereby serving to hold the brackets rigid, and thus brace the bottom section of the extension lift and consequently the whole 11ft laterally.

The top platform H is provided with the intermediate hand-rails H and central plat form H secured on the platform H by the longitudinal bars H, which form guideways H as indicated.

Zand 3 are extension-bridges having the supporting-bars 2 and 3, which extend into the guideways H and lie adjacent to each other. The top of the bridges are preferably provided with slatted bottoms 2 and 8 which lie flush when in position. The bridges 2 and 3 are extended by means of the racks 2 and 3 which are secured underneath the bridges and lie adjacent to each other, as indicated in Figs. 2 and 3, and the pinions 2 and 3, meshing with the racks and secured on the shaftsZ"? and 3 journaled in suitable bearings in the platform H and manipulated by means of the hand-wheels 2 and 3 The bridges are also preferably provided with hand-rails at each side 2 and 3, as indicated.

In order to providefor the telescopicraisingandlowe ring of the sections in relation to each other in a manner so that each section will move an equal. distance simultaneously, and therefore the expansion and contraction of. the whole. lift will be rapid, as is essential in a lift of thisclass, I provide the following raising mechanism: L is the main drivingshaft, which may be driven from any suitable source of power, electric or otherwise, supported onthe wagon or car. The shaft L is journaled in suitable bearings C, secured to the bottom C of the cylindrical housing. M is a bevel-gear located on the shaft L and meshing with the bevel-gearM on the vertical stub-shaft M and journaled in bearings in the crossbar D attached to or forming part of the journal-bearings D. The bottom end of the journahbearings D are provided with toesD which extend in an annular groove C in the cylindrical housing. It will thus be seen that the turn-table is securely held down in position. The upper end of the shaft M is provided with a bevel-wheel M which meshes with the bevel-wheel M on the shaft'M which is journaled at the ends in the bearings D. N are bevel gear-wheels secured on the shaft M located, preferably, two on each broad side of the section F and located in proximity to the corner, being secured at the bottom to the bottom of the section and extending to the top of the section F through the rectangular guiding-brackets 4, which are secured to the bottom corners of the section G. O are racks located, preferably, two at each broad side of the section G in proximity to the corner and adjacent to the racks O. The bottom of the racks O are secured to the bottom of the section G, and the top of each rack extends to the top of the section G, extending through the rectangular bracket 5, attached to the bottom. of the section F. Both rectangular brackets 4 and 5 serve as a rigid lateral stiffening guide or support for the racks. P P are a pair of vertical shafts journaled at the bot tom in the turn-table D and provided with bevel-gears P P at the bottom, meshing with the bevel-gears N on the shaft M Q is a double cross-bar extending between the bottom bars of the section G and carrying. the housings Q Q, through which extend the vertical shafts P. The housings Q contain the gearing which communicates motion from the shaft P to the horizontalshaft R, which extends through the guidingbfack-' ets land is provided with pinions R, which. engage with the racks O. The form of this gearing is a bevel-gearing, such as I shall,

presently describe; but it will of course be understood that a worm-gearing would be an equivalent form of drive from the shaft P to the mainshaft' R. P is a gear-wheel secured from rotation on the shaft P by the featherkey P, which extends into a keyway P Such feather-key P allows of the gear P to slide freely vertically on the shaft, and thissliding of the gear P is effected by means of a plate P connected to the housing Q by supports Q S is a shaft journaled at the bottom in bearings Q forming part of the housing Q. The lower end of the shaft S is provided with a gear-wheel S, whichmesheswith the gear-wheel P and the shaft S is supported so that the gear-wheel S moves with the gear-wheel P by means of a collar S The shaft S extends through the housings Q which are supported by cross-bars Q extending from side to side between the bottom bars of the section II. The housings Q are formed in exactly the same way as the housing Q. T is a horizontal shaft which is journaled in suitable bearings in the brackets 5 and is provided with pinions T, which mesh with the racks 0. There are two shaft-s R, as

well as two shafts T, provided with their pinions, and the shaft T is driven from the vertical shaft S by means of the bevel-gearing T on the shaft S, the bevel-gearing T and T on the stub-shaft T and the bevel-gear T on the shaft T.

O are toothed racks The gearing in the housing Q, to which I have previously referred, is identical, so as to communicate motion from the shaft P to the shaft R. ormgearing, of course, may be substituted for bevel-gearing without departing from the spirit of my invention.

It will now be seen that the main shaft L will communicate motion through the shaft M M and bevel and other gear hereinbefore described to the shafts P and S, which in turn communicate motion by the bevel-gears hereinbefore described to the pinions R and T, and thereby the said pinions R- are so driven as to climb upon the racks O and 0. As the pinions R and T are of the same size, the sections G and II will rise equal or fall equal heights simultaneously, depending, of course, upon the direction the shaft L is driven, and thereby the extension-lift may be brought to the desired height.

Although I have referred in this description to my extension-lift as applicable particularly in case of fire, it will be understood that it may be applied to various other uses which it is notnecessary here to numerate. It will also be readily understood that platforms may be readily erected on each section, so that different stories of a building may be gotten at. Ladders also may be arranged along the side of the lift with facility in order to enable firemen or others to ascend or descend while the lift is raised and is in use.

Although in this description I have described each section as driven from the bot tom by a system of gearing and shafts, it will be understood that a motor might be located in each section and the shafts T and R driven independently from such motor. Again, although I have only shown two movable sections any number of sections, depending upon the diameter of the lift, may be employed to form my lift without departing from the spirit of my invention.

hat I claim as my invention is- 1. In an extension ladder or lift, the combination with the telescopic standardsections, of a turn-table forming the base for the same, a platform on which such turn-table is rotatably supported, vertical toothed racks secured at the bottom to the sides of the sections, guiding stiffening-brackets secured to the bottom of each succeeding section above and through which the racks extend, shafts having bearings in the brackets and pinions on the shafts meshing with the racks and means for rotating the shafts, carrying the pinions, simultaneously as and for the purpose speci'lied.

2. In an extension ladder or lift, the combination with the telescopic sections, of the toothed racks secured at the bottom to the sides of the sections, guiding stiffeningbrack ets secured to the bottom of each succeeding section above and through which the racks extend, shafts having bearings in the brackets and pinions on the shafts meshing with the racks, and means for rotating the shafts, carrying the pinions, simultaneously as and for the purpose specified.

In an extension ladder or lift, the combination with the telescopic sections, of the toothed racks secured at the bottom to the sides of the sections, guiding stiffening-brackets secured to the bottom of each succeeding section above and through which the racks extend, shafts having bearings in the brackets and pinions on the shafts meshing with the racks, a vertical shaft, bearings for the same atthe bottom of the lower section and bearings for the same at the bottom of the next succeeding section above, a gear-wheel rotating with the shaft and having a sliding movement thereon, and agear-drive between such shaft and the horizontal shaft carrying the pinions as and for the purpose specified.

4. In an extension ladder or lift, the combination with the telescopic sections, of the toothed racks secured at the bottom to the sides of the sections, guiding stiffening-brackets secured to the bottom of each succeeding section above and through which the racks extend, shafts having bearings in the brackets and pinions on the shafts meshing with the racks, a vertical shaft, bearings for the same at the bottom of the lower section and bearings for the same at the bottom of the next succeeding section above, a gear-wheel rotating with the shaft and having a sliding movement thereon, a gear-drive between such shaft and the horizontal shaft carrying the pinion and a suitable housing for the aforesaid gearing as and for the purpose specified.

5. In an extension ladder or lift, the com bination with the telescopic sections, of the toothed racks secured at the bottom to the sides of the sections, guiding stiffening-brackets secured to the bottom of each succeeding A section above and through which the racks extend, shafts having bearings in the brackets and pinions on the shafts meshing with the racks, a vertical shaft, bearings for the same at the bottom of the lower section and bearings for the same at the bottom of the next succeeding section above, a gear-wheel rotating with the shaft and having a sliding movement thereon, a gear-drive between such shaft and the horizontal shaft carrying the pinion, a vertical companion shaft having bearings on the aforesaid housing, a gear at the bottom of the same meshing with the sliding gear on the aforesaid vertical shaft, a housing supported on the next succeeding section above the intermediate section, slidable vertically on the companion shaft and a gear-drive between the companion shaft and the shaft carrying the pinions on the said sections as and for the purpose specified.

6. The combination with the platform and housing and turn-table having bearings on the housing, the main driving-shaft, the vertical stub-shaft and bevel-gear on the main shaft and stub-shaft, the bevel-gear on the top of the stub-shaft, a cross-shaft provided with a bevel-gear meshing with the bevelgear on the top of the stub-shaft, a bevelgear located at each end of the cross-shaft, the telescopic sections provided with vertical toothed racks fastened to the bottom of each section, the guiding-brackets fastened to the bottom of each succeeding section above and through which the toothed racks extend, the horizontal. shafts provided with pinions meshing with the aforesaid racks, the vertical pair of shafts having bevel-wheels at the bottom meshing with the bevelwheels on the cross-shaft journaled in the turn-table, gear-wheels rotatable with the vertical shaft and slidable thereon, housing suitably supported and through which the vertical shafts extend, gear-drives between the vertical shafts and the lowermost cross-shafts carrying the pinions, a pair of companion shafts having gear-wheels at the lower end meshing with the gear-wheels on the main vertical shafts, housings on the next succeeding section above through which the companion shafts extend and gear-drives located in the housings between the companion shafts and the cross-shafts carrying pinions on the said section as and for the purpose specified.

7. In an extension ladder or lift, the combination with the top section having a suitable platform, of a supplemental platform,

longitudinal bars securing it to the main platform and forming guideways, bridges having their longitudinals or bars extending into the guideway adjacent to each other and means for imparting to the bridges longitudinal movement inwardly and outwardly as and for the purpose specified.

8. In an extension ladder or lift, the combination with the top section having a suitable platform, of a supplemental platform, longitudinal bars securing it to the main platform and forming a guideway, bridges having their longitudinals or bars extending into the guideway adjacent to each other, toothed racks secured to the bottom of the bridges, shafts journaled beneath the platform and pinions carried thereby and meshing with the toothed racks and means for turning the pinions operated from the platform as and for the purpose specified.

9. The combination with the top section and platform carried thereby and a supplemental platform and guideways located underneath the supplemental platform of a bridge, a toothed rack located underneath the bridge, a shaft, a pinion located on the same meshing with the toothed rack and means for turning the shaft as and for the purpose specified.

ROBERT FLEMING.

Witnesses: B. BYD, A. CRIGHTON. 

